The northern Georgia reaches were once home to the Cherokee Nation, who, as early as 1731, lived among the fertile lands and were linked to other native inhabitants by a meager trading path. The first European settlers and traders, arriving in 1797, introduced agriculture to the area, as families established homes and farms along the Georgia Road. Forestry thrived, necessitating mills and factories, while the poultry industry and high-quality cotton attracted waves of new settlers. The county's scenic splendor has drawn people away from urban centers, appealing to new residents and visitors with a relaxed and rural beauty. Today, Forsyth County proudly boasts of its recognized status as the nation's fastest growing county.
Originally the home of significant amounts of gold, particularly through the Dahlonega Gold Belt and the Hall County Gold Belt, Forsyth County prospered as settlers quickly commanded the area. The costs may have outweighed the gains at times, however, and hardships befell the county through racial tension, economic trials, and extreme population fluctuations. Nevertheless, the county has persevered, and its people have shown both strength of character and spirit. Including new and unpublished data, this book explores the important advances in education, economy, and historic preservation in Forsyth County, as well as the tragic events related to the expulsion of the African-American population in 1912 and the Brotherhood Marches in 1987.